Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe

When the weather gets hot, I always find myself craving something cold and crunchy—and this broccoli salad hits the spot every time. But not just any broccoli salad. This is the Brenda Gantt version, and it’s been a favorite around our house for a while now.

Now here’s the funny part-my husband and kids don’t usually like broccoli salad. They’ll pick around it or skip it altogether. But when I make this one? The copycat Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe? They clean their plates and ask for more. No complaints, no picking—just happy faces at the dinner table.

So if your family isn’t big on broccoli salad either, you have to give this copycat version a try. It’s the only one mine will eat, and it might just become a favorite in your house too.

Why Is Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Better Than Others?

Brenda Gantt’s Broccoli Salad stands out because it’s made with real, fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love. Unlike other versions that might rely on shortcuts like store-bought bacon bits, Brenda insists on frying up crispy, flavorful bacon from scratch.

Plus, she adds a personal touch with ingredients like purple onions, pecans, and dark raisins, all mixed into a sweet and tangy dressing that she crafts herself.

The result is a salad that’s not just delicious but also packed with the perfect blend of crunch, sweetness, and savory goodness.

It’s these little details that make Brenda’s broccoli salad so special, ensuring that every bite is full of authentic Southern flavor.

How To Make This Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe

Making Brenda Gantt’s Broccoli Salad is a breeze. It involves simple steps like chopping fresh ingredients, frying up some bacon, and whipping up a quick, flavorful dressing. This salad comes together in no time and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli (or 1 package of fresh broccoli)
• 1/2 large purple onion (thinly sliced)
• 6 slices of bacon (fried until crispy and crumbled)
• 1/2 cup raisins (dark raisins preferred)
• 3/4 to 1 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
• 4 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white vinegar is preferred, but rice vinegar can be used)

Step by Step Salad Making Instructions

Step 01: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cold water. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, trimming down any large florets. You want pieces small enough to be easily eaten in a single bite but still substantial enough to provide that satisfying crunch. Place the cut broccoli in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Slice the Onion

Next, take half of a large purple onion and slice it into thin slivers. If your onion is on the smaller side, you can use the whole thing. The sharpness of the purple onion adds a nice contrast to the salad’s sweetness. Add the sliced onion to the bowl with the broccoli.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Bacon is the star of this salad, adding that savory, smoky flavor we all love. Fry up 6 slices of bacon until they are perfectly crispy. Once cooked, let the bacon cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. Add these delicious crumbles to the bowl with the broccoli and onions.

Step 4: Add the Raisins

Now it’s time to add a touch of sweetness. Measure out 1/2 cup of dark raisins and toss them into the salad. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, feel free to add a few extra raisins. The raisins balance the saltiness of the bacon and the tanginess of the dressing beautifully.

Step 5: Chop the Pecans

For some extra crunch, roughly chop 3/4 to 1 cup of pecans. These nuts bring a lovely earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. Add the chopped pecans to your salad mixture.

Step 6: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, it’s time to whip up the dressing. Mix together 4 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well combined. 

The mayonnaise gives the dressing its creamy texture, while the sugar and vinegar add a sweet-tangy kick. If you don’t have white vinegar, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or whatever you have on hand.

Step 7: Combine the Salad

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Use a large spoon to toss everything together until the broccoli, onions, bacon, raisins, and pecans are well coated. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed so that each bite is packed with flavor. Once everything is well mixed, your broccoli salad is ready to serve.

Recipe Tips

1. Cut the Broccoli Small: Ensure that the broccoli is cut into bite-sized pieces so that it’s easy to eat and mixes well with the other ingredients.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and crunchy pecans are key to making this salad taste its best.
3. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar.
4. Crispy Bacon: Fry the bacon until it’s really crispy. The crispier the bacon, the better the texture it adds to the salad.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep Ingredients Separately: You can chop the broccoli, slice the onions, and fry the bacon a day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator.

Assemble Later: Mix the ingredients and the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Dressing Storage: You can make the dressing a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before adding it to the salad.

What Can Serve with This Broccoli Salad?

Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or even a hearty soup. It’s also an excellent companion to Southern classics like cornbread, fried chicken, or pork chops.

The salad’s fresh and crunchy texture balances out richer, heavier dishes, making it a versatile side that fits into almost any meal.

Leftover and Storage

Refrigerate: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

Revive the Crunch: The salad might lose some of its crunch after a day or two. To bring back the crispiness, consider adding a few fresh broccoli florets or a handful of new pecans before serving again.

Avoid Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables.

Brenda Gantt’s Broccoli Salad Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, if you don’t have purple onion, you can use a yellow or white onion, but the flavor will be milder. Purple onions add a nice sharpness and color to the salad.

2. Is there a substitute for pecans?

Use walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds as a substitute for pecans. Each will add its own unique flavor and texture.

3. Do I really need to use dark raisins?

Yes, dark raisins add a richer, sweeter flavor to the salad. However, if you only have golden raisins, they’ll work too, but the flavor will be slightly different.

4. Can I leave out the pecans if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans. The salad will still be delicious, but it will lack the crunch that the pecans provide. Consider adding sunflower seeds or another crunchy alternative if you can tolerate them.

Conclusion

The Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe is more than just a salad. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that brings comfort and joy. It’s perfect for summer picnics or holiday feasts, and it’s sure to be a hit.

It’s easy to prepare and tastes great, making it a favorite dish. So, why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients and follow the steps. Treat your family to a salad that’s both nourishing and delicious.

It’s simple to make and you’ll feel proud to serve it. This dish is full of Southern charm and flavor. It’s a must-try for any meal.